August 18, 2025
While you and your team may be returning from summer breaks, cybercriminals remain relentless year-round. Research from trusted sources like ProofPoint and Check Point reveals a notable surge in phishing attacks during the summer months. Discover how to stay vigilant and protect your business effectively.
What Drives This Summer Spike?
Cybercriminals exploit the summer travel season by mimicking popular hotel and Airbnb sites, according to Check Point Research. They report a 55% rise in new vacation-related domain registrations in May 2025 compared to last year, with over 39,000 domains created—1 in 21 flagged as suspicious or malicious.
Additionally, the back-to-school period triggers increased phishing campaigns impersonating university emails aimed at students and staff. Even if your industry isn't directly targeted, employees may check personal emails on work devices, risking exposure to harmful links that could compromise your entire business network.
How to Defend Against These Threats
With AI enhancing both cybersecurity defenses and the sophistication of phishing scams, educating your team to recognize threats is more critical than ever to prevent accidental clicks on malicious links.
Essential safety measures include:
Stay Alert to Suspicious Emails. Don't rely solely on spotting spelling errors or awkward phrasing—AI-generated messages can appear flawless. Scrutinize sender addresses and visible link texts to verify authenticity.
Verify URLs Carefully. Watch for misspelled links or unusual domain extensions like .today or .info, often used by scam sites.
Access Websites Directly. Instead of clicking links in emails, type website addresses manually or use trusted search engines.
Implement Multifactor Authentication (MFA). MFA adds an extra security layer, protecting your accounts even if login credentials are compromised.
Use VPNs on Public WiFi. When accessing sensitive information over public networks, a VPN safeguards your data from interception.
Separate Personal and Work Devices. Avoid checking personal emails or social media on company equipment to minimize security risks.
Consult Your MSP About Endpoint Security. Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR) tools monitor devices, block phishing attempts, and alert your managed service provider instantly during breaches, substantially reducing data exposure.
Phishing tactics grow more advanced daily, accelerated by AI technologies. Keeping your team informed and cautious remains your strongest defense. Stay educated, stay protected!
Kick off the season with confidence—click here or call us at (646) 989-9900 to schedule your FREE Business Technology Alignment Assessment today.
